The library characterisation reference flow is centered on the Cadence Virtuoso Liberate Characterisation solution and Spectre Circuit Simulator and enables accurate 14nm logic libraries.

The reference flow for 14nm logic libraries enables the creation of Liberty libraries, AOCV de-rating tables, library validation and reliability views.

The reference flow was developed using Virtuoso Liberate, Virtuoso Liberate LV, Virtuoso Variety characterization solutions and Spectre Circuit Simulator to deliver accurate logic libraries, including advanced timing models (ECSM, CCS), advanced noise models (ECSMN, CCSN), and advanced power models (ECSMP, CCSP).

The reference flow enables Intel Custom Foundry customers to re-characterize the logic libraries for custom process, voltage or temperature corners or to characterise custom cells following a similar characterisation methodology.

Intel Custom Foundry has an extensive design platform on Intel's 14nm Tri-gate process technology for systems-on-chip (SoCs) targeted at cloud infrastructure and mobile applications.

Chipzilla's 14nm platform is the second generation to use 3D Tri-gate transistors that enable chips to operate at lower voltage with lower leakage, providing an unprecedented combination of improved performance and energy efficiency compared to previous state-of-the-art transistors.

Ali Farhang, vice president, Design and Enablement Services, Intel Custom Foundry said that accurate logic libraries were required to enable customers to implement and verify differentiated SoCs on Intel's 14nm design platform.

"Intel Custom Foundry's 14nm characterization reference flow includes best characterization practices jointly developed by Intel Custom Foundry and Cadence and can accelerate the ramp-up time for customers who need to re-characterize libraries," he said.